AL Amyloidosis

Definition

Amyloidosis is a buildup of abnormal proteins called amyloids. Amyloid proteins can not be broken down by the body and eventually build up in certain tissue of the body. A buildup in organs like the heart, liver, kidneys and nerves can lead to symptoms and life-threatening complications.

There are several types of amyloidosis based on the specific type of protein that is involved. The most common type of amyloidosis is AL or light chain amyloidosis. It is an abnormal form of antibody proteins.

Causes

AL amyloidosis is caused by problems with certain cells in the bone marrow. These cells make blood products including a type of protein called antibodies or immunoglobulins. Certain conditions will interfere with how the antibody proteins develop. The antibodies misfold which leads to amyloid pieces. The amyloids travel in the blood and deposit into tissue and organs. Since the body cannot break down the amyloids, they build up in the tissue. Eventually the amyloids cause tissue damage and interfere with how it functions.

Risk Factors

AL amyloidosis is most common in people 50-80 years of age. It is also more common in men than women. Conditions that may be associated with AL amyloidosis include:

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may do further testing if you have organ-specific symptoms like the ones listed above with no other obvious cause.

Biopsy of the affected tissue or bone marrow can confirm AL amyloidosis diagnosis. A small sample of the tissue will be taken and examined under a microscope. The exam will show the build up of amyloids in the tissue.

Treatment

There is no cure for any form of amyloidosis. Treatment is focused on slowing the creation of amyloids and managing any organ changes it has caused. Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options to slow or stop the development of amyloids include:

Combination Therapy

Certain medications can target and destroy the bone marrow cells that are creating amyloids. This will help slow or stop the creation of new amyloids. These medications have been shown to be more effective when used in combination instead of as individual medication.
Categories of medication may include:

The medication may be given by pill, injection, or through a catheter.

Stem Cell Transplantation

Stem cells are immature cells found in the bone marrow that will eventually develop into blood cells. Some of these blood cells will eventually lead to amyloids. A stem cell transplant replaces current stem cells with healthy stem cells from a donor. It may be used to treat bone marrow conditions associated with AL amyloidosis. Not everyone with AL amyloidosis will benefit from this treatment.

Supportive Care

Amyloidosis is rarely found until it has begun to affect how organs are working. Treatment may require support to reduce injury to the organ or symptoms. Exact treatment steps will depend on the severity of injury and which organs are affected. Potential supportive care steps include:

Nutritional support—amyloids can affect the digestive system and interfere with how well nutrients are absorbed

Prevention

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

National Organization for Rare Disorders. A physician's guide to amyloidosis. National Organization for Rare Disorders website. Available at:
https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/amyloidosis/. Published 2010. Accessed August 19, 2014.

What is amyloidosis? Boston University website. Available at:
http://www.bu.edu/amyloid/about/what/. Accessed August 19, 2014.